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Drones are the hottest new tech on the market, and whether you're interested in racing, taking amazing pictures and video, or having fun with the kids around the house, there's a drone for you. Take a look at our guide to learn everything you need to know to find your dream drone!

3 Types of Drones

Toy Drones

The most inexpensive type of drone, toy drones are small, lightweight versions meant for fun. Most are designed for indoor or short-range outdoor use only and aren’t equipped with cameras. They’re great for family fun inside the house or in the yard, and can also be a good low-stakes way to test the waters before investing in a more sophisticated drone. Best of all, most toy drones have a price tag under $100.

Great for: Kids, families, and those dipping their toes in the world of drones.

Racing Drones

These drones are streamlined, lightweight versions designed especially to be raced on tracks or obstacle courses. They are typically equipped with fixed cameras that stream video to a device, screen, or FPV (first-person view) goggles so the pilot feels like they are in the driver’s seat. These drones usually require some or heavy assembly because they are highly customizable, allowing pilots to configure them to their preference. They’re available in a range of prices, and can cost anywhere from $200-800 depending on how complex the racer is.

Great for: Hobbyists and thrill-seekers who want to build and perfect their own machine.

Photography Drones

Drones made especially for capturing high-quality pictures and video are generally bigger and heavier duty than other models. Most either have a built-in camera or allow you to attach your own GoPro or other active camera of your choice. Higher-end models include features like obstacle avoidance, automated flight modes, and image stabilization so you can get great images and video even if you aren’t an expert pilot. Because they are built to capture high-quality HD or even 4K video, photography drones have higher price tags of $500 - 2,000. But if you’re a photography nut, it’s a great piece of equipment to invest in!

Great for: Outdoor enthusiasts and photographers looking for that fantastic, impossible shot.

Each part of the drone performs a crucial function. Before you shop, familiarize yourself with the different components of a drone and what they do so you can understand the specs you're looking at.

Motors: Most drones are quadcopters with a motor on each of the four arms. Two of the motors spin clockwise while the other two spin counter-clockwise to keep the drone balanced in the air. Providing different levels of thrust to the motors allows the pilot to maneuver the drone.

Propellers: The four propellers on the drone transform the rotation of the motors into downward thrust so they can fly. The propellers are usually made from plastic so they can be easily replaced, as they become worn from use over time and are the first thing to be damaged in a crash. Many drones come with extra propellers, or replacement packs can be bought separately. Remember you will need two types of propellers as they spin in two different directions.

Flight Controller: The flight controller functions as the drone’s brain. It has a sensor that detects the drone’s movement along all 3 rotational axes (known as roll, pitch, and yaw) so that it can counter those movements to keep itself airborne. The flight controller also interprets commands sent by the pilot and tells the electronic speed controller how to fulfill them.

Electronic Speed Controller (ESC): Each motor has its own electronic speed controller that regulates its speed. The ESCs carry out commands from the flight controller, making the motors spin at different speeds to maneuver the drone in the air. The ESCs are one of the most critical components of the drone, especially for racing drones that depend on speed and quick response to commands.

Battery: Drones use lithium batteries to get the most possible power in a lightweight package. Drone batteries are usually classified according to their voltage and differ from one drone to another, so if you’re purchasing extra batteries make sure they are compatible with your drone.

Power Distribution Board: The power distribution board is connected to the battery, and its function is to distribute and regulate the amount of power going to the different elements of the drone.

RC Receiver: This is the wireless component that receives commands from the remote control transmitter in the drone’s controller. Most receivers operate on a 2.4GHz frequency, the same as Bluetooth and Wifi. The receiver and controller are a matched set, so if you are purchasing a new controller, make sure it will work with the receiver in your drone.

Camera: Some drones have cameras built in, while others allow you to attach your own with a gimbal.

Video Transmitter: This component transfers the video feed from the drone’s camera to the pilot’s screen, controller, or FPV headset.

Frame: This is the skeleton of the drone, which is usually made of durable carbon fiber. The frame usually consists of the drone’s body where the electronics are housed, and the four arms where the motors and propellers are attached.

Drones often come with great extra features and accessories. Not sure which ones to keep an eye out for? Here are a few of the most important ones to look for.

Camera: Photography drones often include a high-end camera that can handle HD or even 4K video. Some don’t come with a camera but you can attach your own GoPro or other action camera. For casual photography, a camera mounted inside the drone is sufficient, but more advanced users may want to consider getting a gimbal for the camera.

3-Axis Gimbal: A gimbal is an external mount for the drone’s camera that keeps the camera leveled at all times by pivoting around it, stabilizing motion on all 3 axes no matter how the drone moves or tilts.

Controller: Some drones come with handheld controllers that work via radio transmission, while others have their own Wifi hotspots and can be controlled on your own phone, tablet, or laptop using an app. Depending on the drone, controllers can often be bought separately and linked to the drone.

Extra Batteries: Drone batteries must be small enough to avoid weighing down the drone, so they typically provide only 5-30 minutes of flight on one charge. However, they can be easily switched out, so consider buying an extra battery or two to extend your flight time.

GPS: Some drones have advanced navigation capabilities equipped with GPS positioning. This can add to the drone’s price tag, but it can be a helpful feature, especially if you’re piloting your drone long distances and want to make sure it doesn’t get lost.

Bags and cases: A special carrying case for your drone will help you protect your investment. If you’re taking your drone on an outdoor excursion, you can also find backpacks made especially for carrying drones.

Headless mode: This feature allows your drone to accept commands no matter which direction it’s facing. The drone is usually facing in the same direction as the controller, but if it gets turned around, it will move in the opposite direction of the commands you give. But if you turn on headless mode, your drone will remember which side is its front and accept commands correspondingly, no matter which way it’s facing.

Return home function: Drones with this feature can be brought back to their home point at the press of a button, no navigation necessary. This is a great help when your drone gets out of sight, you’re losing control, or are low on battery and need it to return quickly.

Indoor vs. Outdoor: If you’re planning to use your drone outside, make sure you purchase one that’s built for outdoor use and can withstand wind and weather conditions.

Range: Some drones have a range limited by their controller and receiver. If you’re looking for greater range in your drone, consider one that has its own Wifi hotspot and isn’t dependent on distance.

Flight time: If you’re purchasing a racing drone, you want something lightweight, and the battery doesn’t need to last long. But if photography is your specialty, you might need a battery that will allow you the time to maneuver your drone into the perfect spot. Make sure the drone you’re purchasing can handle the flight time you need.

Ready to Fly: If you’re a beginner or casual user, look for Ready to Fly (RTF) models, which can be used right out of the box. Other more complicated drones require assembly and calibration, but if building the drone is part of the fun, you might prefer that option.

Safety: Drones can't be flown everywhere—there are restricted areas like airports, military bases, national parks, and many sporting and entertainment events. Most outdoor drones need to be registered with the FAA before you can fly, so check your drone’s packaging for instructions for details. Make sure to follow all FAA Small Unmanned Aircraft Regulations, and check your state and city restrictions so you know where you can and can’t fly.

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